Retailers on a busy Dundee street have blasted the city council for failing to consult them properly over major traffic management changes on their doorstep.
However, officials disputed this yesterday, stressing the council had informed residents in advance of its plans for a series of “build-outs” and parking alterations along an eastern section of Dundonald Street at Stobswell.
Traders have criticised the new layout, saying it is unmerited and will put off customers struggling to find a parking space.
As part of the Dundee Partnership Stobswell Regeneration Project, last November the council began constructing the build-outs that jut out from the pavement, narrowing the road and forcing vehicles to slow down.
The council also changed the position of parking bays to sit at right angles to the pavement and plans to lay down double yellow lines along most of the north side of the road.
However, several businesses in Manhattan Works are unhappy with the development.SlumpOwner Discovery Aquatics, Kris Rennie (28), says he has noticed his trade slump since the work began.
“During November when the work started I saw customer numbers drop to about half what they normally would be. I had members of the roads and transport department in the shop telling me what they were planning, but what is being built appears to be very different to what I was told.
“I have only been open for less than a year but, from speaking with other people in the area, there has never been an issue of parking on the street, so I don’t know why this work is being done.”
Mr Rennie’s turnover could shortly take another hit when the council presses ahead with plans to paint double yellow-lines on the road outside his shop.
“That will impact on custom,” he continued. “Luckily we are specialists in what we sell and people come out of their way, but we do also rely on passing trade if someone can’t get parked they will just go to a competitor.”
It is a similar experience for the nearby garden machinery suppliers, Lawntech.
They say they did receive a letter from the authority advising of environmental improvement work last year, but that it did not outline what this would entail.AstoundedOwner John Kochaniuk said he was “astounded” the council decided to press ahead with the project without a proper consultation with the local business community.
He also stated that at points where the road narrows, articulated lorries and other large vehicles have great difficulty squeezing past one another.
Meanwhile, Brian Zanre, manager of the Direct Flooring company, said, “The new parking arrangement is going to affect where people park. We never received any consultation about this at all. The first we knew about it was when the work got under way.
“The work is making life a bit more awkward because there is hardly enough room for two cars to get past, but what can be done about it now? The council are unlikely to reverse what has been done.”
Dundee City Council stated it did properly inform the local community of its plans and added that the project being funded by the partnership and Dundee Travel Active will improve the area.Improvement”The work was held up with the severe weather but is expected to be complete soon,” said a spokesman. “The new end-on parking arrangements will mean an additional 18 spaces available for use on the street and the double yellow lines on the opposite side will ensure the road can still accommodate two-way traffic.
“The build-outs will make it safer for pedestrians.
“There was a problem with wheelie bins causing obstruction so the pavement is being widened and Euro bins introduced.
“Increased car parking spaces on one side only and a widened pavement with new trees should make a safer and more pleasant environment for residents and local businesses, who were informed in advance of the work taking place.”